Pickled Cherry Tomatoes with Dried Plums: A Sweet and Tangy Twist on Traditional Pickling
As the summer harvest comes to an end, many of us are left with an abundance of cherry tomatoes, seeking new and creative ways to enjoy them. While they’re delicious fresh, there’s something special about pickling them to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. In this article, we’ll explore the delightful combination of pickled cherry tomatoes with dried plums, a unique twist on traditional pickling that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The Magic of Pickling
Pickling is a simple yet effective way to preserve vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, by soaking them in a brine solution of vinegar, sugar, and spices. The acidity of the vinegar inhibits the growth of bacteria, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the tanginess. This process allows the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through, resulting in a delicious and refreshing snack or side dish.
Introducing Dried Plums
But why stop at traditional pickling? The addition of dried plums, also known as prunes, adds a sweet and chewy element to the pickling mixture. Dried plums are made by drying fresh plums in the sun or through a dehydration process, concentrating their natural sugars and creating a rich, jammy flavor. They’re often used in savory dishes to add a pop of sweetness and depth.
The Pickling Process
To make pickled cherry tomatoes with dried plums, you’ll need:
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of dried plums, chopped
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
Combine the cherry tomatoes, dried plums, apple cider vinegar, sugar, water, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pickling liquid has thickened slightly.
The Result
Once the pickling liquid has cooled, you can transfer the pickled cherry tomatoes with dried plums to a jar or airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for several weeks. The combination of tangy pickled cherry tomatoes and sweet, chewy dried plums is a match made in heaven. They’re perfect as a side dish, a topping for salads or sandwiches, or even as a snack on their own.
Tips and Variations
- Use a combination of sweet and sour cherries, like Bing and Rainier, for a more complex flavor profile.
- Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or oregano to the pickling liquid for added depth.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar, like white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for a unique flavor.
- Serve the pickled cherry tomatoes with dried plums as a topping for tacos or grilled meats.
Conclusion
Pickled cherry tomatoes with dried plums are a game-changer in the world of pickling. The combination of tangy and sweet, crunchy and chewy, is a winner. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious and unique condiment that’s sure to become a staple in your pantry. So go ahead, get pickling, and experience the magic of these sweet and tangy cherry tomatoes with dried plums!
Pickled Cherry Tomatoes with Dried Plums
It’s unfortunate that it looks like you just threw a rotted tomato in the cup with the ripe ones 😆 I’m sure it tastes great though.
Ingredients:
* 50g cherry tomatoes
* 30g salted dried plums
* 50g sugar
* 20g plum juice
* 20g plum vinegar
* About 80g water
Directions:
1. Make a cross-cut where the stem was on each cherry tomato.
2. Blanch the cherry tomatoes in boiling water for about 20 seconds, then immediately cool them in ice water, and peel off their skins.
3. In a pot over heat, mix the sugar and the plums.
4. Add in the plum juice, and cook until the sugar fully dissolves.
5. Add the water and boil until the water is golden with the color of the plums.
6. Stir in the plum vinegar and let the water come to a gentle simmer before allowing it to cool.
7. Add in the peeled tomatoes, and let sit to marinate for 30 minutes before serving.